Publication Details

Category Text Publication
Reference Category Journals
DOI 10.1093/biosci/biz095
Licence creative commons licence
Title (Primary) Towards an integrative, eco-evolutionary understanding of ecological novelty: Studying and communicating interlinked effects of global change
Author Heger, T.; Bernard-Verdier, M.; Gessler, A.; Greenwood, A.D.; Grossart, H.-P.; Hilker, M.; Keinath, S.; Kowarik, I.; Kueffer, C.; Marquard, E.; Müller, J.; Niemeier, S.; Onandia, G.; Petermann, J.S.; Rillig, M.C.; Rödel, M.-O.; Saul, W.-C.; Schittko, C.; Tockner, K.; Joshi, J.; Jeschke, J.M.
Source Titel BioScience
Year 2019
Department OEKON; BZF
Volume 69
Issue 11
Page From 888
Page To 899
Language englisch
Keywords Anthropocene; eco-evolutionary experience; global change; novel ecosystems; shifting baselines
Abstract Global change has complex eco-evolutionary consequences for organisms and ecosystems, but related concepts (e.g., novel ecosystems) do not cover their full range. Here we propose an umbrella concept of “ecological novelty” comprising (1) a site-specific and (2) an organism-centered, eco-evolutionary perspective. Under this umbrella, complementary options for studying and communicating effects of global change on organisms, ecosystems, and landscapes can be included in a toolbox. This allows researchers to address ecological novelty from different perspectives, e.g., by defining it based on (a) categorical or continuous measures, (b) reference conditions related to sites or organisms, and (c) types of human activities. We suggest striving for a descriptive, non-normative usage of the term “ecological novelty” in science. Normative evaluations and decisions about conservation policies or management are important, but require additional societal processes and engagement with multiple stakeholders.
Persistent UFZ Identifier https://www.ufz.de/index.php?en=20939&ufzPublicationIdentifier=22266
Heger, T., Bernard-Verdier, M., Gessler, A., Greenwood, A.D., Grossart, H.-P., Hilker, M., Keinath, S., Kowarik, I., Kueffer, C., Marquard, E., Müller, J., Niemeier, S., Onandia, G., Petermann, J.S., Rillig, M.C., Rödel, M.-O., Saul, W.-C., Schittko, C., Tockner, K., Joshi, J., Jeschke, J.M. (2019):
Towards an integrative, eco-evolutionary understanding of ecological novelty: Studying and communicating interlinked effects of global change
Bioscience 69 (11), 888 - 899 10.1093/biosci/biz095